August 20, 2026
Camp Hope:
The East Jerusalem YMCA recently hosted Camp Europe under the theme “Camp Europe – So
You Are Not Alone,” bringing together 44 young leaders and participants from Ramallah,
Jerusalem, and Beit Sahour for a space of connection, creativity, learning, and fun.
At a time when daily life in Palestine can feel increasingly stressful and uncertain, the camp
provided young people with an opportunity to step away from their routines, connect with
others, and simply enjoy being together. Throughout the camp, activities were designed to
encourage teamwork, creativity and youth empowerment, while creating a sense of belonging
and solidarity.
Some of the most memorable moments came from activities that allowed participants to work
together in unexpected ways. One highlight was the lazy cake competition, where teams
prepared their own creations before presenting them to judges for tasting. The activity brought
plenty of laughter and friendly competition, while encouraging participants to collaborate and
get to know one another.
Another particularly meaningful activity was the five-minute video challenge. Working in teams,
participants had just an hour and a half to come up with an idea, film, and edit a five-minute
video. The challenge gave them the freedom to think outside the box and express their
creativity, while strengthening teamwork and bringing them closer together.
For many participants, the most meaningful part of Camp Europe was the balance between
learning and having fun. In a challenging and turbulent context, the camp offered young people
a much-needed space to release stress, build connections, and feel supported by their peers.
Camp Europe was more than a two-day gathering. It was a reminder that even in difficult times,
young people can find strength in one another, create moments of joy, and build hope
together.
